FG Suspends Over 13 Million Social Media Accounts for Harmful Content

The action, disclosed in the Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report, marks a significant escalation in the government’s efforts to curb harmful online behavior.

The report, submitted by major tech companies including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, was issued under the joint authority of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). 

Titled Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report Highlights Social Media Platforms’ Efforts on Online Harm Protection, it revealed that 58,909,112 offensive posts were removed from various platforms throughout the year. 

Additionally, 754,629 complaints were formally recorded, highlighting the scale of the issue.

In a statement released on Wednesday, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting citizens from harmful content. 

“The Federal Government will not tolerate the spread of materials that undermine public safety or violate our regulatory framework,” she said. 

“The compliance reports provide valuable insights into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and the platforms’ community guidelines,” she said.

Hajiya Umar said, “The submission of these reports marks a significant step towards fostering a safer and responsible digital environment for Nigerian users.

“It also demonstrates the platforms’ commitment to ensuring a secure and trustworthy online environment for all.

“This achievement reflects the provisions of the Code of Practice, which mandates that large service platforms are registered in Nigeria and comply with relevant laws, including the fulfilment of their tax obligation, while reinforcing the commitment to online safety for Nigerians.

“While NITDA acknowledges these commendable efforts, we emphasise that building a safer digital space requires sustained collaboration and engagement among all stakeholders.

“We remain committed to working with industry players, civil society, and regulatory partners to further strengthen user safety measures, enhance digital literacy, and promote trust and transparency in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”